Welsh Officials Considering Boiler Scrappage Scheme

Environment minister Jane Davidson has announced that more than £4m could be spend in Wales on a Welsh Boiler Scrappage Scheme.

Wales is set to receive £4.07m of funding from the Treasury and it will be up to the Welsh Assembly Cabinet (WAG) as to how this money is allocated.

The Boiler Scrappage Scheme announced by the Chancellor Alistair Darling back in December was only for England, but Mrs Davidson said that the Welsh Assembly Government “is considering introducing a similar scheme in Wales, and we are currently working up a series of proposals taking into consideration the impact on those in fuel poverty, the relative carbon savings and value for money.”

Davidson did add: “If a boiler scrappage scheme is introduced to Wales, there is likely to be more emphasis on targeting fuel poor households.”

Conservative AM Alun Cairns however criticised the Welsh Assembly Cabinet for dragging its feet on the issue, claiming that: “By not adopting the English scheme the Assembly Government risks additional administrative and advertising costs, as well as confusing Welsh householders.”

Moving north of the border, communities Minister Alex Neil insisted last week that the Scottish Government had not ruled out introducing their own boiler scrappage scheme.